Psalm 108:12

Modern

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.

Traditional

Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man.

Literal

May You give to us help from adversity, and the salvation of man is emptiness.

Latin

Da nobis auxilium de tribulatione, quia vana salus hominis.

Hebrew

English

Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.

This psalm combines two parts from David's other psalms (compare Psalms 57:5, 7–11; 60:5–12).

Theme notes and profiles

Jeremiah 17:5–8
This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD.
Psalm 146:3–5
Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save.
Lamentations 4:17
All the while our eyes were failing as we looked in vain for help. We watched from our towers for a nation that could not save us.
Isaiah 31:3
But the Egyptians are men, not God; their horses are flesh, not spirit. When the LORD stretches out His hand, the helper will stumble, and the one he helps will fall; both will perish together.
Isaiah 2:22
Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?
Isaiah 30:3–5
But Pharaoh’s protection will become your shame, and the refuge of Egypt’s shade your disgrace.
Psalm 20:1–9
For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
Job 16:2
“I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.
Job 9:13
God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him.